Tell us about yourself; who you are, where you're from, and what program you're taking. 

My name is Fatemeh Kordi and I'm originally from Iran. I am completing my second year of the Master of Science in Management (Finance) program at the Edwards School of Business. I also have a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Tehran, which is one of the best universities in Iran. I recently received and accepted PhD admission from Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa.  

Why did you choose to take the Master of Science in Management (Finance) program and what were you hoping to get out of it? 

I decided to pursue a master's degree in finance because I have a passion for this field and a genuine love for research. This program has a strong foundation in research and the alignment of my research interests with professors here solidified my decision.  

Where do you see yourself after you complete your program? 

I hope to get a PhD and eventually become a professor. I would like to do meaningful research and contribute to the field of finance. 

Can you tell us a little bit about who you're working with and what kind of the area of research is that you're doing? 

I'm working on my thesis under the supervision of Professor Min Maung and am researching the effect of social trust and social tolerance on the representation of women on the corporate board around the world. 

What kind of obstacles have you faced and how have you been able to overcome them as a student in this program? 

Moving to a new country, when I didn't know anyone and was away from my family was difficult for me. However, once I met some new people, I was introduced to different cultures, which was awesome, and I became more comfortable. I also dealt with a language barrier in my classes so when I was trying to take notes, I fell behind. But after some while, my language has improved significantly and now I don’t have that problem as often. 

Is there any advice you'd like to share with other international students looking to come study here at the Edward School of Business?  

I wish I had known more about the statistical software and programming language heading into my master's degree. However, the Edwards faculty here do a great job in teaching us everything we need to know and teaching us all the necessary skills. If you are considering doing a master's degree at Edwards, I encourage you to be brave and take the leap. I highly recommend this program, and I feel so privileged to be lucky enough to be admitted. 

What was the biggest thing that shocked you coming to Saskatchewan? 

The most shocking realization when I came to Saskatchewan is the coldness of winter. When I arrived in Saskatchewan, people warned me about the cold weather, so I tried to be prepared for the winter by buying some warm clothes. Because I prepared for the weather, it did not affect me as much as it might have for other newcomers. 

Can you share any of the supports that you have benefitted from? 

The awards have been very generous and have set me up for success in the first year of my studies. The awards have reduced my financial burden and helped me to focus on my studies. Edwards also has the Gordon Rawlinson Finance and Trading room which makes a good place to network, relax, and discuss course materials. Edwards offers all sorts of resources that are there to help us focus on our studies. 

What sorts of skills have you learned in the program that will help you in your future career? 

I learned many things from this program and am continuing to grow my toolkit of skills. Some of the skills that I learned from this program include collecting and refining data, statistical tests and analysis, and writing critical reviews on papers. I also learned a lot about financial markets, the economy, and financial instruments. I'm confident that these skills will serve me well in the future, whether in academia or in a professional job. 

What have you most enjoyed about studying here at the Edwards School of Business? 

My passion is to do research, especially in the finance field and what I have really enjoyed so far from my time at Edwards is that I'm learning how to do research professionally. I really appreciate Professor Min, because he has been very supportive and helpful in this process, and I have learned a lot from him. I am also grateful to Professor Racine, Wilson, and Mishra because of their guidance, which have also played a significant role in my growth and development. 

Are there any words of advice or wisdom you'd like to share with potential students or anything else you'd like to add? 

Studying for a master's degree at Edwards School of Business was one of the best experiences of my life. As I met very nice and supportive professors and staff here, they are always open to help you. And you are going to meet lots of new students, lots of new people from different cultures. I think Edwards is a good place to be. 

One of Canada’s oldest business schools, the Edwards School of Business offers graduate programs to advance or change your careers, including the Master of Science in Management with specializations in Finance, Marketing, and Management (including Human Resources/Organizational Behaviour, Supply Chain/Information Systems, Operations Management, and Accounting & Taxation). Visit the Master of Science in Management program page to learn more or chat with a program advisor.

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